State Government of Western Australia

11/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/12/2024 18:49

Footy fans to head west as WA secures additional AFL fixtures

  • Western Australia to welcome North Melbourne Kangaroos for two home game matches per year in three-year deal
  • Games to be played at Hands Oval in Bunbury and Optus Stadium in Perth against West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers, securing both teams an extra game in their home state
  • Bunbury match to deliver significant local tourism benefits, enticing Victorian fans through direct flights to the South West region

East coast footy fans will be encouraged to visit the west from next year, with the North Melbourne Kangaroos confirmed to hold two annual home game matches in WA for the next three years.

The matches will be played at Bunbury's Hands Oval and Perth's Optus Stadium on back-to-back weekends in June against the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers.

It means the Eagles and Dockers will both play an extra game in their home state, alternating playing grounds each year.

North Melbourne fans will be able to take advantage of Jetstar's direct flight from Melbourne to Busselton to attend the Bunbury match, which will be played on Victoria's June long weekend and drive visitation to the South West region, boosting local tourism.

The South West football region will also benefit from the matches, with $5.7 million in upgrades committed to Hands Oval to bring it up to AFL standards, in addition to the $19.5 million of improvements already underway at the venue.

The full 2025 AFL fixtures will be released later this week.

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Hosting these two additional AFL fixtures is not only a major coup for our tourism and hospitality industry, our South West region and our local sporting community, it's also a fantastic outcome for the members and supporters of WA's two AFL clubs.

"The Kangaroos come with an established fan base willing to travel to support their team, and by hosting a home game in Bunbury on a Victorian long weekend with direct flights available from Melbourne, we expect to see a great economic boost for our South West tourism sector.

"I encourage fans from Melbourne to plan ahead now and book a trip to watch the footy, then stay a while longer to explore our world-class South West region."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:

"Hosting an AFL fixture in Bunbury is a significant opportunity for us to showcase the offering of our amazing South West region.

"We're proud to be investing significantly in upgrades for our regional communities, and securing these matches is another example of the work we're doing to create local jobs, drive vibrancy and activate this great pocket of our State."

Comments attributed to North Melbourne Kangaroos CEO Jen Watt:

"This agreement is a great outcome for our club. Not only does it provide an opportunity for us to engage with our WA supporter base on a whole new level, but it also secures our financial future.

"We thank the AFL, the Western Australian Government, Tourism Western Australia, Simon Garlick at Fremantle and Don Pyke at the West Coast Eagles for helping to bring this package together."

Comments attributed to Fremantle Dockers CEO Simon Garlick:

"The extra games in Perth and our South West are significant for the State, and I congratulate Hon Rita Saffioti Tourism Minister, along with North Melbourne CEO Jen Watt and North Melbourne for bringing this to life.

"As a Club, we welcome this announcement - not only does it bring more footy content to WA, but it allows the WA clubs to travel one less game each year, which is significant."

Comments attributed to West Coast Eagles CEO Don Pyke:

"Playing an extra game in WA from 2025 is a positive outcome for the club and we are excited by the opportunity to engage with our passionate members and supporters in the South West region.

"Bringing an AFL game to regional WA is a terrific initiative and we're looking forward to building the occasion and atmosphere around the match next season."